Weight Loss
Obesity is a condition characterised by an excessive amount of body of fat that negatively affects overall health. It is a significant public health issue in the UK.
Start Your Assessment for Weight Loss
Don't wait any longer to get the medical help you need. Once you complete a short online assessment about your condition, you will be able to select your preferred treatment and quantity from a list of appropriate options for you.
- Reviewed by our UK-based medical team
- Takes less than 4 minutes to complete
- Approved treatments dispatched same day
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Treatments
- Diet and Lifestyle: A diet rich in high-fat, high-sugar, and calorie-dense foods combined with large portion sizes often leads to weight gain. Consuming sugary drinks, eating out frequently, or using food as a coping mechanism during emotional stress can further exacerbate the problem.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles, driven by desk jobs, reliance on cars, and recreational screen time, reduce the body’s ability to burn calories. This leads to the accumulation of excess energy as fat.
- Genetics: Some individuals inherit genetic traits that affect appetite, fat storage, or metabolism. However, genetic predisposition often interacts with environmental factors, making lifestyle changes essential.
- Medical Conditions and Medications: Certain health conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s syndrome, and medications like steroids, antidepressants, or diabetes treatments, can promote weight gain.
- Social and Environmental Factors: Access to inexpensive, calorie-dense foods and limited opportunities for physical activity, especially in urban environments, contribute to the obesity epidemic.
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Dietary Improvements: Focus on a balanced, calorie-controlled diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive portion sizes.
- Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. For greater weight loss, more activity may be required.
- Weight Management Programmes: These programmes provide tailored advice and support, either in groups or online, and often include behavioural counselling to develop healthier habits.
- Medications:
- Orlistat: Reduces fat absorption during digestion.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda) and Semaglutide (Wegovy): Appetite-suppressing injections prescribed by specialists for those meeting specific criteria.
- Surgery: Bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, is an option for individuals with severe obesity (BMI of 40+ or 35+ with associated health conditions) who have not responded to other treatments.
- Psychological Support: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling can help patients address emotional eating patterns and build sustainable habits.
- Long-Term Monitoring: Regular check-ins with healthcare professionals and ongoing weight management support are crucial for maintaining progress.
- Physical Symptoms:
- Breathlessness and increased sweating.
- Joint and back pain, limiting mobility.
- Fatigue and difficulty with physical activity.
- Snoring and sleep apnoea, leading to poor-quality sleep.
- Emotional and Social Impact:
- Low self-esteem and confidence.
- Feelings of isolation and difficulty maintaining relationships.
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety.
- Health Risks: Obesity raises the likelihood of developing serious health conditions, such as:
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
- Certain cancers (e.g., bowel, breast, and womb cancers).
- Osteoarthritis, gallstones, and reduced fertility.
- Sleep apnoea, which can lead to further complications like high blood pressure.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Replace high-calorie, processed foods with healthier options, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Monitor portion sizes and avoid sugary drinks and snacks.
- Read food labels to understand calorie content and nutritional value.
- Exercise:
- Start with small, achievable goals, like walking or light jogging, and gradually increase intensity.
- Aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, and include strength training twice a week.
- Break up sedentary time by standing or moving for a few minutes every hour.
- Mindful Eating:
- Eat slowly, focus on your food, and avoid distractions such as TV during meals.
- Recognise and address emotional triggers that lead to overeating.
- Set Realistic Goals:
- Begin with small weight loss targets, such as losing 3% of your body weight, which can significantly reduce health risks.
- Track your progress using a journal or app to stay motivated.
- Involve Support Networks:
- Engage family and friends in your weight loss journey for encouragement and accountability.
- Join a local or online weight loss group for added motivation and advice.
- Professional Guidance:
- Seek advice from a GP or pharmacist for personalised strategies.
- Consider programmes like the "Couch to 5K" running plan to gradually improve fitness levels.
Weight Loss Guides
Simply find your medical condition below to read helpful information written and reviewed by our healthcare professionals.
Written by our Clinical Team
Written by our Clinical Team
Written by our Clinical Team
FAQ’s
Weight loss medicines are generally prescribed for adults with a BMI of:
- 30 or above (obese), or 27.5 or above in some ethnic groups.
- 27 or above if you also have weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
Yes, in some cases you may be able to switch from one weight loss injection to another. This will depend on your medical history, your progress, and prescriber advice.
Weight loss medicines are usually prescribed as part of a long-term plan. Your prescriber will review your progress regularly and advise when treatment should continue, be adjusted, or stopped.
We will send you a reminder around two weeks before your supply is due to run out, giving you plenty of time to reorder and avoid any gaps in treatment. When you reorder, you need to select your desired strength and fill up questionnaire as we need to see if anything has changed.
- Completely new to treatment: start with 2.5 mg Mounjaro or 0.25 mg Wegovy.
- Already on treatment: you may step up by one dose level only, provided you are not experiencing significant side effects.
- If you are satisfied with your progress and current dose: you can remain on the same dose.
- If you experience side effects: you may need to step down to a lower dose.
Yes. All weight loss medicines provided at Pharmacy + Me have undergone rigorous clinical trials, proven their safety and effectiveness, and are fully approved for use in the UK.
Treatment continues as long as it is safe and effective, usually until you reach a healthy BMI (around 21–25). Ongoing reviews with your prescriber will ensure the right plan for you.
Yes, you can stop treatment at any time. However, we recommend gradually reducing your dose as you approach your target weight rather than stopping suddenly. This helps your body adjust and reduces the risk of side effects or weight regain.
Most people do not need additional supplements, but it depends on your diet and overall health. If you are not getting all the nutrients you need from your diet, you may benefit from adding a multivitamin. Explore our range of vitamins here.
Yes, you are always welcome to join our pharmacy with a same-day clinical review and next-day dispatch. We only require proof of your previous supply to continue safely.
Yes. Our clinical team can advise you on how to manage common side effects and, if appropriate, prescribe supportive treatment to help ease them. We will also review your progress and adjust your treatment plan if side effects become difficult to manage.
